TWO Dismayed with Democratic Party for Allowing Cardinal Timothy Dolan to Bless Convention

Truth Wins Out Dismayed with Democratic Party for Allowing Cardinal Timothy Dolan to Bless Convention

Progressive Faith Leader Should Have Been Invited Instead, Says TWO

BURLINGTON, Vt. – Truth Wins Out expressed its dismay today over the Democratic Party’s unwise selection of Cardinal Timothy Dolan, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, to deliver the closing prayer at the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. In doing so, the Democrats failed to provide a platform for a progressive religious voice and instead elevated one of the nation’s most outspoken opponents of marriage equality.

“The Democrats have once again squandered an opportunity to raise the stature of a progressive religious voice, and have instead pandered to conservatives who will never support their party,” said Truth Wins Out Executive Director Wayne Besen. “Rick Warren’s invocation at Obama’s inauguration did not win the President any friends, and rewarding Timothy Dolan with this prestigious platform is unlikely to win Obama many votes.”

“Inviting Timothy Dolan to pray at the Democratic convention is out of step with the inclusive, pro-LGBT family values held by President Obama and the Democratic Party,” said TWO Communications Director John Becker. “There are hundreds of inclusive faith leaders across America whose views are more closely aligned with those of the Democratic Party; one of them should have been chosen for this high-profile honor instead.”

The New York archbishop will bless a party that is preparing to become the first political party in America to endorse marriage equality. Today’s announcement comes less than one week after Dolan revealed that he would offer the final benediction at the Republican National Convention, drawing sharp criticism from Truth Wins Out and other groups uncomfortable with an alliance between Catholic leaders committed to stopping marriage equality and a Republican party that has just passed the most anti-gay party platform in modern history.

“We can’t keep bowing down to archconservative religious leaders and then wonder why Americans falsely equate Christianity with conservative political views,” added Besen. “It makes no sense that we continue giving short shrift to our allies in the faith community while offering our imprimatur to our political opponents.”

Truth Wins Out (TWO) is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to create a world where LGBT individuals can live openly, honestly and true to themselves. TWO monitors anti-LGBT organizations, documents their lies and exposes their leaders. TWO specializes in turning information into action by organizing, advocating and fighting for LGBT equality.

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9 Comments

Michael CAugust 28, 2012 at 6:01 pm -

So, like, to remain inclusive we gotta exclude Catholics.

I’m sorry. I don’t have the expectation that every member of a political party that I predominantly affiliate with must share my views on every issue. I also do not feel that a major political party is always responsible for championing issues that I personally deem important at the expense of other citizens. I do not think that the inclusion of a Catholic in any way undermines the core values of the party.

When you think about it a Catholic was probably the best choice, equality wise. Of the mainstream religions, Catholic voters are the most supportive of gay rights. Attracting more Catholics to the party may be a good thing.

SteveAugust 28, 2012 at 6:05 pm -

Of course the correct solution is to have no prayer at all.

MerlynAugust 28, 2012 at 7:08 pm -

I don’t see them finding a Paa or non traditional person and I do agree. Let evveryone have their momen of silence to pray to whatever god they wish and then go on. This country’s obsession with everything having to be Christian is getting disgsuting.

MerlynAugust 28, 2012 at 7:08 pm -

Sorry meant to say “Pagan or other non traditiona person…”

QwertyAugust 28, 2012 at 11:18 pm -

What, they couldn’t have asked Bishop Gene Robinson to do this, or someone comparable? Why end their party on such a sour note? This is similar to Obama having Rick Warren participate in his inauguration 3-1/2 years ago. Sure leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

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Truth Wins Out is a non-profit organization that fights the "ex-gay" myth and antigay religious extremism.

TWO monitors anti-LGBT organizations, documents their lies and exposes wrongdoing. TWO specializes in turning information into action by organizing, advocating and fighting for truth, integrity, and equality for sexual minorities.